TikTok’s Candy Cane Blush Is the Holiday Glow We Didn’t Know We Needed

Thanks to a viral TikTok sound, we’ve all been reminded this year just how transformative red blush can be. “What people don’t know is when I did Victoria’s Secret for years, they had to look very natural,” makeup artist and RMS founder Rose-Marie Swift shared in a popular TikTok video. “A lot of people always think it was pink. But it wasn’t—it was red.”

And just like that, red blush made its big return. Though it might seem intimidating at first glance, as Swift explains, red is actually the natural color our cheeks flush when we get excited or cold, making it a favorite among TikTokers and celebrities like Selena Gomez.

Now, red blush is getting a festive upgrade with TikTok’s “candy cane” blush trend. Keep reading to learn more about this trending holiday makeup hack that’s both flattering and fun.

The Trend

Alissa Janay, the creator behind viral blush hacks like “sunset blush” and “pumpkin spice blush,” is also the mastermind behind this candy cane blush trend. As the name suggests, candy cane blush is a lively combination of bold red liquid blush and a pearlescent white liquid highlighter, applied in alternating dots that mimic the stripes of a candy cane.

The result is a luminous flush that gives you the illusion of having spent hours outdoors in chilly weather—only with a chic, holiday-ready sparkle.

Instagram/ @sabrinacarpenter

Red blush alone offers that cozy winter warmth, while the highlighter adds a soft, festive glow, perfect for any holiday celebration.

How to Get the Look

While there are plenty of red blush and highlighter combinations on the market, TikTok’s favorite duo appears to be the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Flaming Red paired with the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter in Halo.

Depending on how bold you like your blush, dab 2-3 dots of red blush and 2-3 dots of highlighter in alternating stripes on your cheeks for a naturally radiant flush.

If you’re in the mood for some extra holiday cheer, apply the blush and highlighter in a candy cane pattern, starting at the apples of your cheeks and sweeping up to your temples. For that extra pearly shine, finish the look with a dazzling highlighter like Fenty’s Diamond Bomb.